We all know that person – the one who’s always talking about themselves, bragging about their accomplishments, and putting people down. Dealing with arrogant people can be frustrating and draining, but there are ways to subtly put them in their place. It’s not about being mean or aggressive, but rather about using clever phrases to deflate their ego and bring them back down to earth. So, next time you encounter someone who’s full of themselves, try using one of these witty comebacks.
1. “Interesting. Tell me more about how that makes you feel better than everyone else.”
Source: Unsplash This response is both sarcastic and insightful. It highlights the arrogant person’s self-centredness and forces them to confront the underlying reason for their boasting. It’s a subtle way of calling them out on their behaviour without being overtly confrontational. This phrase can be particularly effective when someone is bragging about their achievements or possessions, as it exposes the shallowness of their values and their need for external validation.
2. “Wow, you’re really good at talking about yourself. Do you ever listen to other people?”
Source: Unsplash This question is a gentle nudge to remind the arrogant person that conversations are a two-way street. It subtly points out their self-absorption and lack of interest in anyone apart from themselves. It can be particularly effective when someone is dominating a conversation or interrupting people to talk about themselves. This question can also be a good way to redirect the conversation and encourage the arrogant person to engage with people in a more meaningful way.
3. “I’m curious, what do you think about [insert topic unrelated to their expertise]?”
Arrogant people often have an inflated sense of their own knowledge and expertise. By asking them a question about a topic outside their comfort zone, you can subtly expose their limitations and humble them. This can be especially effective when someone is pontificating on a subject they clearly know little about. It’s a gentle way of reminding them that there are many things they don’t know and that their opinions aren’t always the most valuable.
4. “I’m so impressed by your ability to make everything about you.”
Source: Unsplash This sarcastic remark highlights the arrogant person’s self-centredness and lack of consideration for the people around them. It’s a subtle way of pointing out their egotistical behaviour and making them aware of how their actions are seen by other people. This phrase can be particularly effective when someone is trying to steal the spotlight or hijack a conversation. It’s a gentle reminder that their self-promotion is not as charming or impressive as they might think.
5. “Is there anything you’re not good at?”
Source: Unsplash This question, delivered with a hint of sarcasm, challenges the arrogant person’s inflated ego and forces them to consider their own limitations. It’s a subtle way of reminding them that nobody is perfect and that everyone has weaknesses. This can be particularly effective when someone is bragging about their abilities or accomplishments. It’s a gentle way of bringing them back down to earth and encouraging them to be more humble.
6. “I’m sorry, I must have missed the part where I asked for your opinion.”
Source: Unsplash This phrase is a direct and assertive way of shutting down unsolicited advice or criticism from an arrogant person. It sets a clear boundary and lets them know that their opinion is not welcome or valued in this particular situation. This can be especially effective when someone is trying to belittle your choices or decisions. It’s a way of reclaiming your power and asserting your autonomy.
7. “You might want to Google that before you share it as fact.”
Source: Unsplash Arrogant people often speak with authority, even when they’re clearly wrong. This phrase is a gentle way of challenging their inaccurate statements and encouraging them to do their research before spouting off misinformation. It’s a subtle way of pointing out their ignorance without being overtly insulting. This can be particularly effective when someone is sharing fake news or spreading misinformation on social media.
8. “I’m sure you’re used to people just agreeing with you all the time.”
Source: Unsplash This phrase is a sarcastic observation that can be used to deflate an arrogant person’s ego. It implies that their opinions are so outlandish or unreasonable that most people wouldn’t bother to challenge them. It’s a subtle way of suggesting that their views are not as widely accepted or respected as they might think.
9. “That’s fascinating, but I’m not sure how relevant it is to this conversation.”
Source: Unsplash Arrogant people often love to hear themselves talk, even if their stories or anecdotes have nothing to do with the topic at hand. This phrase is a polite way of redirecting the conversation and reminding them to stay on track. It’s a subtle way of saying, “We get it, you’re amazing, but can we please get back to the point?” This can be especially useful in meetings or group settings where it’s important to stay focused on the task at hand.
10. “I’m more interested in hearing about what other people have to say.”
Source: Unsplash This phrase is a nice way of shutting down an arrogant person’s monologue and inviting other voices into the conversation. It’s a subtle reminder that their opinions aren’t the only ones that matter, and that other people deserve to be heard as well. This can be particularly effective when someone is monopolising a conversation or talking over everyone. It’s a way of creating a more inclusive and respectful environment where everyone feels valued.
11. “Humility is a virtue, you know.”
Source: Unsplash This simple statement is a gentle reminder that arrogance is not an attractive quality. It’s a subtle way of encouraging the arrogant person to be more humble and self-aware. This phrase can be particularly effective when someone is bragging about their accomplishments or talking down to people. It’s a reminder that true greatness lies not in self-promotion, but in humility and grace.
12. “I’m sure you’ve achieved a lot, but there’s always more to learn.”
Source: Unsplash This phrase acknowledges the arrogant person’s accomplishments while also reminding them that there’s always room for growth and improvement. It’s a subtle way of encouraging them to be more open-minded and receptive to new ideas. It can be particularly effective when someone is acting like they know everything. It’s a gentle nudge to remind them that they don’t have all the answers and that there’s always something new to learn.
13. “It’s not about being the best, it’s about doing your best.”
Source: Unsplash Arrogant people are often obsessed with being the best at everything. This phrase reminds them that true success is not about comparing yourself to everyone else, but about striving for personal excellence. It’s a gentle way of shifting their focus from competition to self-improvement. This can be particularly effective when someone is constantly trying to one-up everyone or brag about their achievements. It’s a reminder that the most fulfilling accomplishments come from within, not from external validation.
14. “I think you’re confusing confidence with arrogance.”
Source: Unsplash This phrase draws a clear distinction between confidence and arrogance. Confidence is about believing in yourself and your abilities, while arrogance is about thinking you’re better than everyone else. This can be a helpful distinction to make when dealing with an arrogant person, as it can help them to understand the negative impact of their behaviour. It’s a subtle way of encouraging them to be more self-aware and to strive for genuine confidence rather than false bravado.
15. “You’re right, I’m not perfect. But neither are you.”
Source: Unsplash Arrogant people often have a hard time admitting their own flaws and shortcomings. This phrase acknowledges their point while also reminding them that they’re not infallible. It’s a way of levelling the playing field and encouraging a more humble and honest conversation. This can be particularly effective when someone is criticizing you or trying to make you feel inferior. It’s a way of reminding them that everyone makes mistakes and that it’s important to be kind and compassionate towards other people.
16. “Silence is sometimes the best response.”
Source: Unsplash Sometimes, the best way to humble an arrogant person is to simply say nothing whatsoever. Let their words hang in the air, unanswered. This can be a powerful way to communicate your disapproval and lack of interest in their self-aggrandizing behaviour. It also gives them the space to reflect on their words and actions, and perhaps even come to the realization that their arrogance is not as impressive as they think it is.
